The Wire

Cleaning Up

Season 1, Episode 12, Aired 9/1/02

Episode Summary

"This is me, yo, right here." - Wallace

After the Barksdale's supply gets confiscated in another bust, Stringer gives more new rules to the crew. Avon and Stringer meet with Levy to discuss the next steps, which include the elimination of any and all persons that can connect Barksdale to the drugs. Wallace goes back to the pit and asks to be let back in but Stringer has another plan for Wallace. Stringer then asks Bodie to take Wallace's old job.moreless

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Cast & Crew

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Wendell Pierce

Det. William "Bunk" Moreland
Wood Harris

Avon Barksdale
John Doman

Maj. William A. Rawls

Fan Episode Reviews (2)

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Epochal events happen in this episode: as the season draws to a close, the entire game blows up, leaving no one- the cops, the crooks, the brass, the politicians- untouched...

9.4

"Superb"

By rockin01, Sep 15, 2011 Report Abuse

I don't know when I've ever been so emotionally invested in the characters of a television series. I love The Shield, The Sopranos and 24, but this series takes television drama to a whole new level. As the cops tighten the noose, Avon continues to change up the game- and tie up loose ends. As the Detail continues to follow Barksdale's money trail, the politicians get nervous, and Burrell threatens to pull out some dirt on Daniels if he doesn't close the case. Daniels refuses, and the cops close the net on Barksdale, busting Dee with a kilo of product and picking up Avon. As if things aren't going badly enough for Barksdale, Dee, angered by all the bodies piling up, starts looking out for himself...moreless

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5 1
One of the most tense television moments I have ever experienced...

9.6

"Superb"

By Giant_Chicken, Sep 15, 2011 Report Abuse

Soilers ahead...

In the episode "Cleaning Up" I experienced extreme tension when there was that pivital moment between Wallace and his gansta brothas. From the viewers perseption we all new that Wallace had a good heart but never the less was a rat. From the villians perseptions they had no idea that Wallace was a rat they only assumed. This is why I was blown away that the leaders of the gang ordered Wallace to be dealt with. During the scene when Wallace was to be murdered was one of the most realistic scenes I have ever scene in a crime drama series. It was so tense for about 60 seconds that I could hardly stand it. This episode was by far one of my favorite The Wire: Season One shows. If you have not experienced The Wire I encourage you to tap in!moreless

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- Although credited, Andre Royo, John Doman and Sonja Sohn do not appear in this episode. Edit
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